🔗 Share this article Why Prince Andrew is Giving Up His Royal Titles – and What It Means for the Royal Family Through a statement issued by the royal household, the king's brother has declared that he will be giving up his official honors, such as the Duke of York. Here is an overview of what has been revealed – and what wasn't. What Has the Prince Said? After previously stepped down as a working royal in 2019, the prince has now chosen to “go a step further” and agree not to use the “honor or the awards which have been granted to” him. However, he used the statement to emphatically rejecting – consistent with his past statements – the accusations of misconduct made against him; even though having paid out millions to settle the civil sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre – an agreement in which he accepted no fault and strongly rejected any claims of improper conduct. There has been ongoing scrutiny toward the royal institution over the claims involving the prince – especially since his ill-fated Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019. He now claims he is acting to safeguard the royal family from further damage caused by media scrutiny. Did the Monarch Removed Him of His Honors? No. And although this could be dismissed as a simple procedure, it holds importance in two respects: initially, it allows Andrew to openly state to have acted honourably in defence of the monarchy. As stated in his statement: “I have decided, as I always have, to prioritize my obligations to my relatives and the nation first.” Second, although he consented not to use it, Andrew retains his ducal title, along with the honors his earldom and Baron Killyleagh and the prestigious position as Royal Knight Companion of the prestigious order. Like the HRH royal style title, they are effectively inactive. He remains a prince and eighth in the line of succession. In theory, he is also a potential stand-in for the monarch – and can stand in for the sovereign if he is overseas or unwell. However royal officials has indicated that, in practice, he will not be called upon to fulfil this role. Nonetheless, it is telling that Andrew’s statement said this choice was made “following talks with the king”. It appears highly likely that, privately, the palace pushed for the move in the hope of distancing the institution from Andrew. Why Hasn’t He Formally Stripped of His Entire Honors? To forcibly remove a ducal title would take an act of parliament, and would represent an unprecedented step in full view of the public – it has not occurred to a senior royal in more than 100 years – that it would likely cause more harm to the image for the monarchy. Andrew is also a royal by birth. When he was born in 1960, he became such as the son of a monarch. This would only be altered if a royal decree was enacted by the king. The whole process could end up being protracted, meaning the objective of swiftly resolving the issue – particularly for the royal family’s purposes – may not be met. What Does It Mean for Andrew? Humiliation, probably more than anything else. The announcement signifies an effective loss of standing he has resisted for years. The prince and his former spouse, Sarah, continue to reside in Royal Lodge, notwithstanding rumoured attempts by his brother to persuade Andrew to move out of the 30-room Crown Estate property in the Windsor estate. Although limited information has been revealed about the precise amount of funds the prince has obtained due to his position, he continues to be a person of means. Back in 2007, he managed to raise £15m from the sale of a property that had been a gift from the queen, for example. Why Now? The continual list of scandals related to the prince has become unacceptable for the king and other senior royals. His association with the jailed child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has again in the headlines after it emerged that the prince stated to him “we share this situation” in an email dispatched months after he claimed to have ended communication. There have also been stories about his connections with a suspected intelligence operative and, recently, excerpts appeared from the book released after death of Giuffre, who died by suicide in April. She claimed Andrew “believed that engaging sexually with her was his birthright”. Moreover, the king is due to undertake a significant trip to see the pontiff soon, when he will become the first English monarch after Henry the Eighth split with Rome in 1534 to pray publicly with the Holy Father and head of the Catholic church. He will not have wanted that visit to be marred by further adverse coverage about Andrew. What Has Been the Reaction? Although he stated Giuffre had been “justified” by the move, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts informed a newspaper that the prince's style ought to be removed for “genuine accountability” to be achieved. The anti-monarchist campaign group Republic has also said the move is “insufficient and delayed”, adding: “The prince continues to be accused of sexual offences and misuse of position. He ought to be divested of all titles and his military position and should undergo a legal probe. Refraining from using archaic honors is not a punishment that fits the offences.”